This year's NBA Draft seems to be loaded with quick, talented guards

Although Jonny Flynn (left) is only 5-11, he's got a 40-inch vertical leap to help overcome that.

Julie Jacobson/Associated Press files

NBA scouts aren't enamored with Tyreke Evans for his shooting touch. His ability to make plays and make those around him look better are what's drawing attention.

Ed Zurga/Associated Press files

DeMar DeRozan is athletic and has nice range shooting. DeRozan, who worked out for the Grizzlies on Sunday, is just one of a crop of guards in this draft.

Jim Mone/Associated Press files

Conventional wisdom in the NBA draft's recent history has often suggested that several classes were its weakest in years after the first or second pick.

You'd probably have to go back to the 2003 crop to find hype indicating a draft could produce several All-Star caliber players.

Thursday, 6 p.m. CDT, ESPN

Just what should one make of the 2009 prospects?

There is one prominent consensus beyond Blake Griffin sitting as the No. 1 overall pick.

This draft has another thing going for it, and that's an abundance of quality guards -- whether a team is looking for one to run the point or a player who is uniquely qualified to play on and off the ball.

Nearly two dozen point guards, roughly one out of every three players selected, might be taken Thursday when the NBA draft unfolds. While this year's traditional shooting guard class appears weak at first glance, that position continues to be blurred by the increased versatility of dominant ball-handlers.

Many of the shot-makers have proven they can create for themselves and others.

Several mock drafts have guards falling off the board in seven of the top 10 picks.

USC's DeMar DeRozan is a consensus top-10 pick who worked out for the Grizzlies on Sunday in FedExForum. DeRozan, widely considered an athlete with great upside, displayed deft shooting with range and eye-popping athleticism.

Like his counterparts, DeRozan visited the Griz with a mission to show his versatility.

"I feel very comfortable with my shooting, ball-handling ... everything," DeRozan said after his hourlong session with the Griz. "The things I didn't get to show in college, I've been able to come out here and show. Everybody knows I can score, but I want to come in showing that I can play defense and do the little things that help teams win."

As for why he would visit a team, such as the Grizzlies, that isn't projected to use its top pick on him, DeRozan shot with accuracy in his response.

"What comes on ESPN is people's opinion," DeRozan said. "Nothing is said until June 25."

Those with ESPN and ESP believe Spanish 18-year-old point guard Ricky Rubio has the best chance of electrifying a team and its fan base. If the Griz don't select Rubio, he won't slide past Sacramento at No. 4.

NBA types have waited four years for Rubio to become draft eligible. His size, flair for the game and aggressive defense are said to be more than enough for talent evaluators to overlook Rubio's inconsistent jump shot.

The large buyout (reportedly $6 million) Rubio is attempting to settle with his Spanish team no longer appears to be a major concern for league executives.

"I've said all along that, once he stayed in the draft, he's going to play in the NBA," Wallace said. "I expect to see Rubio in an NBA uniform next season."

Among the other most intriguing guard prospects are hybrids.

Former University of Memphis guard Tyreke Evans and Stephen Curry (Davidson) continue to rise up the charts because of their explosive scoring ability and knack for involving others.

Curry played the point last season to show NBA onlookers that he could after spending two years at shooting guard. His shooting has never been in question, as the son of former NBA marksman Dell Curry is deft and deadly with the basketball in his hands.

One would find it difficult to locate a league scout or coach who doesn't believe Curry's shot-making will translate to the NBA.

"It gives me something else to offer," Curry said. "I feel I'm a true point and I can manage an NBA team at that position. But My scoring ability and the fact that I can shoot definitely offers different options for my team. I feel like I can spread the court for guys to make plays."

There are concerns about Curry's size and perceived lack of strength. But he's shown in workouts that he can flat-out make plays.

The same scouting report applies to Evans, who isn't much of a shooter. Evans' nearly 6-6 frame and strong body make NBA types marvel at his potential to have an impact on the game.

Lottery teams have been enamored of Evans' versatility -- his ability to switch from playing off the ball to dominating the game while making his teammates better with it in his hands.

Perhaps the biggest wild card among the guards projected to go high in the draft is the guy with the smallest frame.

No one is credited with being more of a competitor and leader than Syracuse's Jonny Flynn.

Standing barely 5-11, Flynn is best remembered for his heroic, 67-minute performance in Syracuse's six-overtime victory over Connecticut in the Big East Tournament. Scouts look at more than his 40-inch vertical when making the contention that Flynn arguably has the most bounce among guards in this draft.

Most coaches look for good athletes, high basketball IQ and toughness on the perimeter.

Teams shopping for guards will find plenty of those ingredients on the shelves.

"This is definitely a great group of guards in this draft," Flynn said. "It's deep from top to bottom. It's been fun seeing how you size up against these guys. I really don't see how teams can go wrong with any of us."

Tip-ins: The Grizzlies took a look at DeRozan and Arizona power forward Jordan Hill during separate, solo workouts Sunday in FedExForum. DeRozan put on an impressive display of athleticism and perimeter shooting while Hill -- projected to be the first power forward taken in the draft -- looked smooth scoring with both hands. ... Memphis will spend this week evaluating players who are candidates for its later picks (27th and 36th). Expected in town today are Texas guard A.J. Abrams, Missouri forward DeMarre Carroll, North Carolina guard/forward Danny Green, Tennessee-Martin guard Lester Hudson, Marquette guard Jerel McNeal and LSU guard Marcus Thornton. ... Potential trades, which might include the No. 2 overall pick, still are in play for the Grizzlies as the draft nears. A team insider described the Grizzlies' chances of consummating a deal as "50-50" on or before Thursday.

Guarded Optimism

There will be no shortage of backcourt talent in this draft:

Ricky Rubio, Spain, 6-3, point guard: With good size for the position, his vision and ability to deliver precise passes make him dynamic pure point prospect.

James Harden, Arizona State, 6-5, shooting guard: A solid scorer with the ability to get to the basket. He's strong and makes up for his lack of shooting with point guard skills.

Stephen Curry, Davidson, 6-3, combo guard: The best scorer in the NCAA. His shooting ability and quickness put a lot of pressure on defenses.

Jonny Flynn, Syracuse, 5-11, point guard: One of the quickest guards available. Plays the game under control, is a fierce competitor and clutch player.

Tyreke Evans, Memphis, 6-5, combo guard: Aggressive style and strong body make him a handful to guard. Has proven that he is able to play both guard positions.

DeMar DeRozan, USC, 6-7, shooting guard: Is considered by some to have the most upside. A superb athlete highlighted by his leaping ability that makes him an explosive finisher.

Brandon Jennings, Italy, 6-1, point guard: Extremely quick player who has excellent open-court speed and likes to attack in transition.

Gerald Henderson, Duke, 6-5, shooting guard: Has a solid overall game and is an accomplished defender.